Her Story
About Allison
Allison Batka brings over three decades of expertise to the payroll field, where her primary focus is ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining full compliance with taxes, garnishments, and HR regulations. Her career path began with studies at Purdue, where she initially pursued law before shifting to accounting at Roosevelt University and DeVry, culminating in a Payroll Association certificate from DePaul. She is an active member of the APA association and the Payroll Association, and she credits her achievements to strong leadership while advising others to listen to their teams, collaborate rather than compete, and invest fully in their development. Allison values honesty, respect, and reciprocity in both her professional and personal life, viewing AI as a tool for efficiency rather than a threat. She encourages young women entering the industry to master their subject matter, stay current on compliance through associations like Schwarm or the APA, and stand their ground with well-informed arguments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Allison
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to great leaders. Having a great leader, you will be successful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice is to listen to your employees. Work with them and not against them. I would never want my employees to do anything that I won't do. I always want my employees to be better, like a parent wanting their children to do better and grow into a career greater than where they're at.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My dad gave me this advice 35 years ago: in the corporate world, it's been a man's world, so you have to know what you're doing, know how to speak, and stand your ground as long as you know what you're speaking. Know what you're saying before you argue a point. Don't go off just one internet scroll. Become part of Schwarm or the APA association. Make sure you're up to date from a compliance side before you start speaking.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is great and will help a lot in the industry, but people are afraid it will take jobs. I look at it as a tool to use to double-check, make things more efficient and timely, rather than seeing it as a bad thing that may take a job.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I don't lie, cheaters first deal, and I expect the same from anybody associated with me. I treat you with respect, and respect should be reciprocated. You have to give to receive. Give 100% of effort to get anything back. Be a good-hearted person, and you will see it come around to you.
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